Kid Scoop Activity Packets are downloadable pencil-and-paper puzzles and activities that reinforce vocabulary and theme-related concepts. There are lots of themes to choose from to satisfy a variety of children’s interests, and each seven-page printable packet is available for just $2.99. Each download includes the rights to reproduce the publication for both home and classroom use. The website does not specify the intended target age group, but from our personal experience with these packets, I would say they are appropriate for all elementary-aged students.

The website organizes the themes into categories to help you find just the right topic. Categories include animals, character education, environment, food, financial literacy, government, health and safety, history, holidays, people, places, science, sports, miscellaneous, and your body. We received a sampling of ten different topics from many of those categories to review. I chose to print all ten packets at once and to organize them in spiral binding with tabs and a cover. This made it easy to pull out our booklet and flip to our theme of choice whenever we wanted to try out a new topic.

Each packet offers a good variety of pencil puzzles such as patterns, word searches, matching pictures, dot-to-dots, sudoku, fill-in-the-blanks, board games, and more. They also include theme-based non-fiction reading with illustrations, writing assignments, and core subject-based activities in language arts, math, and science. There is even some fun with jokes! Each packet is just a little different from the next with their variations of these activities.

My fifth grader really enjoyed these packets. We used them as a unique way to start off our school day with a little fun or as a treat on a day off from school. Some of the activities were easy for him at his age but would be more challenging for a younger elementary student. We recently moved into Tornado Alley, so we particularly enjoyed the packet on tornadoes, since they are still new to us. He really enjoyed the jokes and lighthearted fun that these packets brought to our routine. Another excellent feature included in some of the packets is a list of recommended websites where you can learn more about the topic, get more activities and lesson plans, play online games, or find printable worksheets. There is also a list of books to extend the learning. We felt this added a lot to the experience, and since my son really enjoys online activities, that was a real bonus for him. Only two of the ten themes we selected included these additional activities, so just be aware that these extensions are not included with every theme.

Overall, we enjoyed the Kid Scoop Activity Packets and found them to be a nice supplemental addition to our school day. If you build in break time in your school day, I can see how these might be used to break up your child’s assignments with some fun activities that will still require some useful thought. They would also be a fantastic addition to your summer activities to keep your kids learning and practicing some basic skills in a way that is of interest to them. With so many themes to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone!

-Product review by Kelly Burgess, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, May 2019